Black Rock Community Trails
Black Rock Community Trails
The Black Rock Community Trails are probably my all-time favourite hiking trails.
They totally appeal to my love of well-maintained trails that are signposted and easy to follow.
Location
Black Rock is on the North mountain above Berwick.
From Brooklyn Street, Route 1 or the 221, follow the Black Rock Road to the top of the mountain.
On your right is the Black Rock Community Centre. The walking trails are behind the community centre.
Knot Maze
Beside the community centre, in the summer, take time to explore the knot maze. The design is based on a 16th century English maze garden. It’s fun to try to get to the centre of the maze, around the tall grasses!
There are four loop trails that weave through the forests and along the woods roads of the North Mountain.
All trails start and finish at the Black Rock Community and Recreation Centre on the Black Rock Road.
The Bay of Fundy shore trail has 2.5 km on the beaches below the cliffs overlooking the Bay. (This trail can only be hiked near low tide time.)
A longer trail follows Wall Street to where it crosses Murray Brook at its mouth on the Bay then follows Balsor Road before looping back through the forests to the community center.
There are also shorter trails through the woods.
Our Hike
When you arrive at the Black Rock Community Centre, study the map, consider the tide times (which you have checked before you went), and how long you want to hike.
Notice the colour of that trial on the map. From now on, all you have to remember is that colour!
Throughout the trails, there are coloured signs posted EVERYWHERE.
When we go, we normally do the pink trail which is 2.2 km. This is usually as long as we can handle for the complaining! Although, this summer we will work up to something a bit longer!
Head into the trail and start following all of the pink markers. It’s that easy!
To do this trail with 4 kids, 2 dogs and 3 adults, it took us about 35 minutes.
The trail is very easy to follow.
However, there are a lot of roots, so it is NOT stroller friendly, but definitely toddler friendly!
Last year, the community held a fairy house making day, and some of the remnants can still be found along the trail.
We highly recommend this trail, followed by a trip to the shore which is just 5 minutes further down the road from the community centre.
The trails are a great mix of woods, fields and shoreline, depending on the route you take. They are also open year round.
Hope you enjoy them as much as we do!
Molasses Ice Box Cookies
Old-Fashioned Molasses Icebox Cookies
My grandmother used to always have a tin of these cookies at her house. It was a cookie staple.
Later, I found out that this is a really old- fashioned recipe that was actually my great grandmother’s!
Thank you Jennie Lewis for these molasses icebox cookies.
Great-Grandmother was a great baker in her day. Here’s a link to another one of her recipes:
With the molasses ice box cookies, it’s best to slice them very thinly so they bake and are nice and crisp.
Then, eat them with a slab of cheese whiz piled on top. Seriously. Don’t knock it till you try it!
- 1/3 C brown sugar
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ginger
- 3 C flour
- 1 C shortening
- 1/2 C molasses
- Blend dry ingredients.
- Cut in Shortening.
- Add molasses.
- Mix, knead and roll into 1.5" diameter log.
- Cover with wax paper and store in the fridge over night.
- Slice thinly.
- Bake at 350 for approximately 10-12 minutes
- Serve spread with Cheese Whiz!
Acupuncture with Valley Massage
Acupuncture with Valley Massage
Photography by Michelle Doucette
When I told people that I went for an acupuncture session with Jacqueline Raaymakers at Valley Massage in Kentville, the first question is this:
Does acupuncture hurt?
Not it does not! It is nothing to be afraid of!
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a treatment achieved by the insertion of very fine, sterile, disposable needles into specific acupuncture points located on the body.
The needles are so thin it can be a virtually painless experience!
These points are located on the meridians (channels), which are pathways for the transportation of Qi (vital energy). Health problems arise when there is obstruction in the flow of Qi, or when the supply of Qi is inadequate.
The acupuncture needles adjust and stimulate the flow of Qi. With proper point selection and manipulation, the body’s self-healing process is prompted, re-establishing homeostasis, and leading to restored health and normal function.
Jacqueline says people come to the clinic for a variety of reasons, but the most common issues are
-acute/chronic pain
-gynecological disorders (regulate menses, fertility)
-digestive disorders
-respiratory ailments
-cancer care/support
-anxiety/depression
-sleep disorders
My Experience
Photography by Michelle Doucette
When I arrived at the Valley Massage Clinic in Kentville, I was immediately greeted by Jacqueline. Having never met her before, she easily put me at ease with her warm smile and friendly welcome.
We started the session with a basic health assessment and she took the time to listen about all my ailments with a genuine concern and interest, making me feel instantly at ease. As we went along, Jacqueline explained what she was doing and why, and was more than willing to answer all my questions.
Since I was suffering from a sinus headache and congestion in my head and ears, we focused on that.
I “undressed to my level of comfort” and climbed on the bed, closed my eyes, and prepared to relax.
Jacqueline started by putting some needles in my head and around my ears. Other points were on my arms, hands, stomach, knees and ankles.
As the needles go in, there is a slight tap, but I honestly could not feel them at all. It doesn’t mean that I would want to see it or watch it happening, though!
When all the needles were in place, she dimmed the lights and let me relax.
While I was laying on the table, I could feel my sinuses draining. Instantly. It was an incredible sensation to actually feel all that fluid draining away!
When all was said and done, my head was so light, and I had no congestion at all! It was outstanding!
Other Treatments
Jacqueline also offers cupping treatments.
Photography by Michelle Doucette
Cupping is an ancient therapy used in TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine), but is becoming more frequently used by massage therapists. This wonderful technique helps decrease tissue tension, connective tissue restrictions, blood stasis, inflammation, toxins, congestion, and pain.
And fire cupping.
Fire cupping is a multifaceted therapy with an array of benefits. The placement of glass cups are adhered to the body by using fire to create a vacuum seal to the skin. The areas of application vary based on an individuals need, but the areas are often associated to areas of tension and discomfort. Cupping, however, is not only beneficial for musculoskeletal pain, but also useful in the treatment of respiratory, digestive, and menstrual conditions.
Overall
Having had acupuncture a couple of times, I am a strong believer in its effectiveness. If you haven’t tried it, I highly recommend booking an appointment with Jacqueline at Valley Massage to see how much it can do for you. Be willing to give it a try, and you will be pleasantly surprised!
About Jacqueline
Jacqueline Raaymakers is Nationally Board Certified in Acupuncture and licensed to practice in the province of Nova Scotia as a member of the Nova Scotia Association of Acupuncturists (NSAA). She is a graduate of the Canadian Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Calgary, Alberta where she received her certification as a Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Jacqueline is passionate about getting her clients back to a state of balance, comfort, health and happiness; using the potent healing of acupuncture and Chinese medicine. She aspires to influence others in the importance and concept of holistic healing, and in the future and potential of integrative medicine in Canada. She is over joyed to be practicing in the Annapolis Valley, a place her family calls home.
Book an Appointment
Jacqueline works one day a week at Valley Massage in Kentville. The rest of her time is at the Urban Sante Wellness centre in Cole Harbour.
To book with Jacqueline in Kentville, book online with Valley Massage
valleymassage1@outlook.com
902-679-0999
Valley Massage is located on the lower level of the Town Square centre in Kentville. (The building with all the mirrors!)
Kentville Town Square
10 Webster Street, Suite B6
Kentville, NS B4N 1H7
Now is your chance to win with Valley Massage!
Win a free acupuncture session with Jacqueline Raaymakers by entering daily until May 4.
Apple Cheesecake Bars with Streusel Topping
Apple Cheesecake Bars with Streusel Topping
My neighbour made this cheesecake a few years ago, and it is to die for!
I like it because it’s made in a 9×13 pan, so it makes lots, is easy to cut, and you can cut the pieces any size you want.
It’s always a big hit with crowds!
- 2 Cups Flour
- 1/2 Cup firmly packed brow sugar
- 1 Cup butter
- 2 Packages cream cheese
- 1/2 Cup sugar, plus 2 Tbsp divided
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 3 Granny Smith apples. Cored and finely chopped, or use a chunky chop.
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 test nutmeg
- 1 Cup firmly packed brown sugar
- 1 Cup all purpose flour
- 1/2 Cup oats
- 1/2 Cup butter
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees
- In a medium bowl, combine flour and brown sugar.
- Cut in butter until mixture is crumbly.
- Press into a 13x9" baking pan.
- Bake 25 minutes or until lightly browned.
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese with 1/2 Cup sugar with electric mixer until smooth.
- Add eggs 1 at a time and add vanilla.
- Pour over warm crust.
- In a medium bowl, stir together chopped apples, remaining 2 Tbsp sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg.
- Spoon evenly over cream cheese mixture.
- Sprinkle evenly with streusel topping.
- Bake 30 minutes or until filling is set.
How to Create Name Art
How to Create Art using your Name
This is an art activity we used to do in grade 3. I remember it vividly. Maybe it was just a make-work project from our teacher, a way to fill time, or even a way to practice our cursive writing.
Whatever the reason, we used to love making these pictures from our names.
It’s also a great activity if you are waiting in a restaurant. Flip over the paper place mat and have the kids start creating!
Start by writing your name in cursive in the middle of the page. As few kids know how to do cursive writing any more, you will probably have to do this step for them.
Trace around your name, one layer at a time, creating a rainbow effect until the page is full.
It’s that easy!
Chocolate Turtles
Chocolate Turtles
Thomas wanted a chocolate dessert, so I told him to make one!
These chocolate turtles are so easy to make, that kids can easily do it with a bit of supervision with the stove.
They make great presents, or nice to put on a platter at a party. Try to eat just one!
- 1 Cup chocolate chips
- 1 Cup butterscotch chips
- 1 Cup Chinese noodles (hard crunchy ones)
- Optional - 1 Cup peanuts
- Melt chocolate and butterscotch chips over low heat on the stove. If it is not blending smoothly, you can add a bit of cream.
- Remove from heat and stir in the Chinese noodles (and peanuts)
- Drop by spoonful on a lined cookie sheet.
- Wait for them to cool. Speed up the process by putting them in the freezer.
